On a golden August morning in 1939, sisters Antonina and Helena Dąbrowska send their father off to defend Poland against the looming threat of German invasion. The next day, the first bombs fall on Warsaw, decimating their beloved city and shattering the world of their youth.
When Antonina’s beloved Marek is forced behind ghetto walls along with the rest of Warsaw’s Jewish population, Antonina turns her worry into action and becomes a key figure in a daring network of women risking their lives to shelter Jewish children. Helena finds herself drawn into the ranks of Poland’s secret army, joining the fight to free her homeland from occupation. But the secrets both are forced to keep threaten to tear the sisters apart–and the cost of resistance proves greater than either ever imagined.
Shining a light on the oft-forgotten history of Poland during WWII and inspired by true stories of ordinary individuals who fought to preserve freedom and humanity in the darkest of times, The Warsaw Sisters is a richly rendered portrait of courage, sacrifice, and the resilience of our deepest ties.
About the Author
Amanda Barratt is the bestselling author of numerous historical novels and novellas including THE WARSAW SISTERS, WITHIN THESE WALLS OF SORROW, and THE WHITE ROSE RESISTS. Her work has been the recipient of the Christy Award and the Carol Award, as well as an Honorable Mention in the Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards.
Amanda is passionate about illuminating oft-forgotten facets of history through a fictional narrative. She lives in Michigan and can often be found researching her next novel, catching up on her to-be-read stack, or savoring a slice of her favorite lemon cake.
Review of Warsaw Sisters
I sometimes shy away from reading about this time period in history simply due to the tragic subject matter. However, when an author depicts it realistically and captures the emotions of the time period and trials that generation went through, it’s more than a story and stays with me as a reader for years. I’m glad I chose this novel and will be reading more from this author in the future. Hard to read at times, it showed even more clearly what a great author Amanda Barratt is.
I was given this book as a complimentary copy but was not required to write a review.
Thanks for connecting today.
Have you ever thought about what it would be like to focus on seeing
“Delightful! Charming! Full of characters who take up residence in your heart. The best of ‘News from Lake Wobegon’ and Father Tim combined.”–Lauraine Snelling, bestselling author of the Red River of the North series
Cora Matthews’s life is a mess. A broken engagement and the unexpected death of her mother have left her wondering if things will ever return to normal. Whatever “normal” is.
It certainly isn’t what she finds at Moonberry Lake. After she receives her family’s dilapidated lakefront lodge as an inheritance–with a surprising condition attached–Cora finds her life overrun by a parade of eccentric neighbors who all have something to say and something to teach her.
As Cora works to put her life back together, she must decide if she is willing to let go of the past, open her heart to love, and embrace the craziest version of family and home she could ever have imagined.
“An uplifting novel about the power of small-town community.”–Suzanne Woods Fisher, bestselling author of The Sweet Life
“Rich characters, a delightful setting, and a heartwarming story. You’ll love everything about On Moonberry Lake!”–Ginny L. Yttrup, Christy Award-winning author of Words
About the Author
Holly Varni is a native Minnesotan of strong Norwegian descent, who was raised in the Lutheran Church that Garrison Keillor made a career depicting. Between the lutefisk, grumpy grandparents, and crazy neighbors who mowed their lawn wearing pajamas, the seed to becoming a storyteller was planted. Though she, her husband, and their three sons live along the Central Coast of California, her beloved Midwest roots continue to haunt everything she writes. She hosts the Moments from Moonberry Lake podcast where she shares more stories of her beloved characters. Learn more at http://www.hollyvarni.com. –This text refers to the library edition.
Review of On Moonberry Lake
This is the first book I’ve read by this author but it won’t be the last. I love small town communities and the feel of small towns. When I read books like this one, I secretly wish it was me living in the pages instead. I was immediately drawn into the story and didn’t want it to end. I’m still thinking about the characters long after having closed the last page. Ready for the next in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher but was under no obligation to give it a positive review. All opinions listed are my honest opinions.
Thanks for connecting today.
Have you ever thought about what it would be like to focus on seeing
Barbara Breaks from Amish Tradition to Express Her Artistry
Full of faith, hope, and romance, this new series takes you into the Heart of Amish country.
Barbara Schwartz was born into a family of quilters, but she would rather eat dirt than partake in another quilting frolic or sew on another binding. When her parents send her to Indiana to help her grandmother in her quilting shop, she finds herself amongst a very different community. It’s only one summer and then she will be back in Kentucky where she belongs.
Melvin Bontrager’s world stopped six years ago when his parents died. Now when his only means of providing for his widowed sister and niece is threatened, Melvin finds his landscaping business disappearing too. When spring delivers a newcomer who is immune to his salty moods, Melvin does something he has never done before, accepts help.
What blooms is the last thing Barbara ever expected, and everything Melvin could ever want.
About the Author
Raised in Kentucky timber country, Steele writes Amish Romance peppered in humor, using her rural surroundings as her muse. She is a best selling author and the winner of the 2022 FHLCW Reader’s Choice award for sweet romance. Steele creates realistic characters for her readers and believes in engaging all the senses to make you laugh, cry, hold your breath, and root for the happy ever after ending. Readers can find themselves, somewhere within her pages.
Review of The Flower Quilter
The Flower Quilter was such a great book. Shipshawana is not far from where I live and we started going down there often last year. The author described it so well, even to the restaurants and how the town is laid out. I could envision the different things we experienced there, including the quilt shops. It was a great read and made me feel as though I was back, and reminded me I need to ask my husband if we can get a trip in before winter. Great story, great characters and I can’t wait to read more from this author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher but was under no obligation to give it a positive review. All opinions listed are my honest opinions
Thanks for connecting today.
Have you ever thought about what it would be like to focus on seeing
Trudy Yoder shares a passion for birding with Micah Weaver–and she has an even greater passion for Micah. Their friendship is finally turning romantic when Micah abruptly grows cold. Worse still, he wants to leave Stoney Ridge.
Micah Weaver thought he was over Trudy’s older sister. A year and a half ago, Shelley had broken his heart when she ran away from Stoney Ridge to pursue a singing career in Nashville. Then, out of the blue, she’s started to leave distressing phone messages for him.
When the bishop asks for volunteers to scout out a possible church relocation in Tennessee, Micah is the first to raise his hand. Despite scant details, he’s confident he can find Shelley. After all, his reputation as a field guide is based on finding birds that don’t want to be found.
What Micah doesn’t know is that what you’re looking for isn’t always what you find.
About the Author
Suzanne Woods Fisher loves stories worth telling about people worth remembering. With over a million copies of her book sold worldwide, this bestselling, award-winning author of more than 30 books is always on the lookout for the unsung hero with an untold story.
I absolutely loved Lost and Found. This picked up where A Season in the Wind left off. I loved getting back with the characters of Trudy Yoder and Micah Weaver as well as the bishop David and his wife Birdy. The plots and twists and turns of this book I definitely didn’t see coming, which I thoroughly enjoyed, but I think what I liked most about the book was the reminder to be still and wait on God. To make sure I take everything to Him in prayer before making big changes in my life or having the audacity to “tell God my plans and then expect Him to follow my lead.” A great reminder for this particular season in my life as God and I are having quite the conversations lately. Hope there’s another one in this series to enjoy. And learning about all the birds? We’re birders in my family so that was the icing on the cake!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher but was under no obligation to give it a positive review. All opinions listed are my honest opinions.
Thanks for connecting today.
Have you ever thought about what it would be like to focus on seeing
Sometimes a beautiful miracle comes to you at exactly the wrong time… Lindsay Prescott is 40 and single when tragedy strikes. Diagnosed with stage 4, Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma cancer, her instinct is to right the wrongs in her life. Her unfortunate childhood with an alcoholic, verbally abusive mother drove her to break free in desperation at the age of 17. While working at a hotel along the beach on the East Coast, she met Harris Manning. He took her breath away and she gave herself to him in love. Harris’ life was already planned out for him by his wealthy parents. Falling for Lindsay had been a dream. However, compelled to wed the woman his parents chose for him, he’d left her to endure a shaky marriage. Though Harris never knew it, Lindsay found herself pregnant when he left her with no way to care for identical triplets on her own. When the triplets were five months old, she reconnected with an Amish couple—Katie and Roman Yoder—who were unable to have children. The Yoders adopted Amy and Jenna while Lindsay kept Phoebe. She couldn’t bear to give all three babies away. In the years that followed, Katie worked hard to keep her away from her adopted daughters. When you let go of a miracle, can you ever capture it again? After Harris learns his ex-wife intercepted Lindsay’s calls years ago to tell him she was pregnant, he rushes to her side, thrilled to discover he’s a father. But life rarely gives fairytale endings. Revealing the truth may prove more devastating than the hurdles that came before…and all that will surely come after for a woman fighting for her life. Click here to get your copy!
About the Author
Diane Craver is the author of The Amish Mother’s Secret, Book 1 in The Amish Adoption Series and two popular Amish series, Dreams of PlainDaughters and TheBishop’s Daughters. Diane also writes romantic suspense, inspirational contemporary romance, historical Christian fiction and women’s fiction. Her emotional reads receive great reviews. Although she started her career writing non-fiction, she switched to writing fiction. She wanted to keep her sanity in the midst of having a large family. Writing fiction with quirky and memorable characters gave her the escape she needed from her noisy household. Diane met her husband Tom while teaching at an orphanage. They enjoy their life in southwestern Ohio, and have been blessed with six children and several grandchildren. Two adult daughters with Down syndrome live with Tom and Diane. Her family is supportive of her writing career, and her favorite vacation is going to the beach with them. She gives thanks daily to God for her wonderful blessings, including being in remission from Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
More from Diane
When I started writing The Amish Mother’s Secret, a friend had been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. I decided to have my main character, Lindsay, to have the same type of cancer. I used many of the details of his illness for my character’s cancer. Then an unbelievable thing happened to me. I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. I never expected to have cancer with none in my family history. It was hard telling our children I was diagnosed with stage four cancer. It was stage four because it was found in many of my lymph nodes throughout my body. I rewrote the details in my manuscript so that my character reflected the type of lymphoma I had. Also, after the six months of chemo, I started two years of maintenance therapy. My oncologist said doing this therapy treatment during remission could reduce the risk of recurrence and improve the cure rate for me. While doing my months of chemo treatments, I received thoughtful gifts, devotional books, two prayer blankets and cards with wonderful Bible verses from friends and relatives. Feeling God’s love through them helped me to get through a difficult time in my life. I appreciated all the prayers said for me to recover from cancer. I have been blessed with an awesome support group of readers. During this stressful time, I heard from agent Lesley Sabga of The Seymour Agency. She wanted to represent me and told me how much she loved my voice. I hadn’t been looking for an agent so it was a wonderful blessing to sign with Lesley. I had planned on The Amish Mother’s Secret to be a standalone novel, but Lesley acquired a three-book contract for me with Vinspire Publishing. I enjoyed writing about the two mothers, Lindsay and Katie, in Book One, The Amish Mother’s Secret. Both mothers were from two different worlds, but their love never wavered for their children. The second book in my Amish Adoption series, An Unexpected Gift, continues the adoption theme and is also available for purchase. Book three will release next year.
My Review of The Amish Mother’s Secret
This was a new author to me and I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I liked the premise (which is why I chose to read it) but I liked the characters to. The only thing that bothered me was how the author repeated things throughout the book, as though the reader needed to be reminded often of the characters feelings. Maybe a little more showing instead of telling would have fixed that issue. Otherwise, the story was delightful. I especially enjoyed Roman. He was a man who reminded me a lot of my husband: patient, loving, kind, with a lot of grace for those he loved. He was a great father to daughters and all their myriad of emotions (husband to his emotional wife too, I might add). I also loved how the author spoke about the incident between Harris and Lindsay, making it so that the reader could feel sympathy and grow to love Harris, something I wasn’t sure I could do at the beginning. Overall, great book and I can’t wait to read the next in the series. I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit but was not under any obligation to write a review. All opinions are strictly mine.
Thanks for connecting today.
Have you ever thought about what it would be like to focus on seeing “JESUS in the EVERYDAY?”
Would you like to be a part of a membership where everyday you are pointed back to God and seeing Him in your everyday life?
If that sounds like something you’re interested in, I invite you to come check it out!
Don’t forget to check out the other blog spots listed below for your convenience.
Sometimes courage is loud like an elephant, and sometimes it’s quiet like a llama.
Lily, a young autistic girl with a vivid imagination, wants to sing the solo in the school’s choir show. However, the thought of standing at center stage turns her heart a gloomy grey. School is overwhelming enough when no one is watching. Now all eyes will be on her. Will she overcome her fear and be bold and brave?
Bold and Brave is a whimsical picture book showcasing the heartwarming bond of family while visually drawing readers into Lily’s experience and inspiring them to be bold and brave. It’s aimed at readers aged 3 to 8.
K.A. Cummins is an author and an artist. She explores storytelling in a variety of mediums, blending the wonders of science with the possibilities of what if. When not crafting stories, Cummins loves spending time with her family, collecting fun socks, and venturing outside her comfort zone to try new things—at least once!
Connect with her through her website at https://authorkacummins.com, where you can sign up for emails about upcoming releases.
More from K.A. Cummins
“Bold and Brave” is about a young autistic girl who wants to sing a solo in the school’s choir show. While a colorful pair of socks initially inspired the fiction story, it was my personal experiences as a woman and as a mother that most influenced it.
Stories often use words to draw readers into what a character experiences, but I wanted to do something different for this story. I wanted the illustrations to show readers the parts of the young girl’s experience that are often harder to explain.
For some, the smallest actions can take effort and courage, and their boldness and bravery doesn’t always show on the outside.
I hope “Bold and Brave” inspires readers, and provides an accessible insight into one autistic experience.
My Review of Bold and Brave:
This was a wonderful book for children of all ages and also their parents as well. The illustrations are beautiful, the story inspirational and overall it’s highly entertaining. This is one I will be recommending to infants who are read to by their parents, school age children learning how to read and even older children reading to their siblings. This message is one that all ages can learn from.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was under no obligation to review it. All opinions are mine.
Thanks for connecting today.
Have you ever thought about what it would be like to focus on seeing
A car accident that might not be an accident at all. A murderer bent on revenge. And a woman desperate to keep her family together.
She’s already lost her soul mate. She’ll do anything to protect her children.
For the sake of her kids, Camilla Wright managed to survive after her husband’s murder. When she’s awakened in the night with the news that her teenage son and nephew have been in a horrific car accident, she rushes to the hospital in a haze of shock and panic.
The boys were supposed to be skiing in the mountains east of Salt Lake City. What were they doing so far west? More alarming, the wreck might not have been an accident at all.
While Jeremy fights for his life, Camilla is running out of time to discover who lured her son and her nephew into the desert. With each new clue, the terrifying truth becomes clearer.
Robin Patchen is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of Christian romantic suspense. She grew up in a small town in New Hampshire, the setting of her Nutfield Saga books, and then headed to Boston to earn a journalism degree. After college, working in marketing and public relations, she discovered how much she loathed the nine-to-five ball and chain. After relocating to the Southwest, she started writing her first novel while she homeschooled her three children. The novel was dreadful, but her passion for storytelling didn’t wane. Thankfully, as her children grew, so did her writing ability. Now that her kids are adults, she has more time to play with the lives of fictional heroes and heroines, wreaking havoc and working magic to give her characters happy endings. When she’s not writing, she’s editing or reading, proving that most of her life revolves around the twenty-six letters of the alphabet. Visit robinpatchen.com/subscribe to receive a free book and stay informed about Robin’s latest projects.
More from Robin
It was Monday, July 16, 2018, at about nine-thirty at night.
I was home with my husband and daughter, watching TV, when my sister called. Since my son was visiting her family in Utah, I rushed to pick up.
“Robin,” my sister said. “The boys have been in a terrible accident. They’re being life-flighted to Salt Lake City. They’re both alive. That’s all I know.”
My knees hit the floor. Then I was lying prone on my kitchen tile. Ninety-nine percent of me was thinking, Oh, God. Please, please…
Nine-tenths of one percent was thinking, Why am I on the floor?
And I’ll be honest. About one-tenth of a percent was thinking, When was the last time I mopped?
Such are the inner workings of a human mind in the midst of tragedy.
The next twelve hours were chaos. We needed to get from our Oklahoma home to Salt Lake as soon as possible. We found a flight that left at eight a.m. and booked it.
And then we waited.
While the minutes ticked past in slow motion, we got occasional updates on the boys’ condition. Joshua, my nephew, had a head injury and trauma to his gut.
Jacob, my son, had severe lung damage. Severe enough that, as soon as he arrived at the ER, they intubated him.
Both boys were transferred to the ICU and pronounced stable.
When my husband and I arrived the following morning, we saw Jacob. A tube down his throat. Tape across his face. Scrapes and cuts and bruises all over his upper body. One arm in a plaster cast from his biceps to his fingertips. Unconscious.
And then the hard part began.
The boys’ accident was such a unique and life-altering event in our lives. Watching a cherished child battle for his life, not knowing if he’ll win or lose, is like nothing you can imagine.
Or maybe you can. Maybe you’ve experienced something similar. People are in car accidents every single day. And motorcycle accidents. And other accidents.
And there are illness and addictions and mental health struggles. The list goes on and on.
If you’ve dealt with any of those, then your trauma was probably very different from ours. And yet, you and I could probably find a lot in common. The fear. The surreal moments. The pendulum swinging between hope and helplessness.
The constant litany of prayers.
We were fortunate. Our son and our nephew both survived and recovered. When we were on the other side, I knew I’d write about the experience someday.
And so…I did.
A Mountain Too Steep tells the story of two boys in a car accident in the middle of the Utah desert. The physical trauma the boys experienced is almost exactly what our boys endured.
The rest of the story is purely fictional, thank God. I like a little danger in my life—safe danger. Let’s leave the vengeful gang members in the realm of fiction, shall we?
I cried throughout the writing. And the editing. And the rereading. Even though five years have passed, the memories are still fresh.
Tears aside, I love this story. It’s about a woman whose husband was murdered, a widow who’s endured her own nightmare and who’ll do anything, anything, to protect her children.
I think you’re going to like it.
My Review of A Mountain Too Steep:
I’ve been thoroughly enjoying the Coventry Saga Series, and this book ranks up there as one of my favorites. Camilla was someone I didn’t want to relate to. I don’t like thinking about being a widow, but yet, I could feel all the feelings she did about not wanting to her husband was no longer alive. The feelings she had toward Paul are similar to what I would think I would experience if in the same situation. This book is more than just a mystery/suspense. It takes the reader on an adventure and then sets us up for a whole new series with people we have grown to love. Bachir was probably my favorite character in the book and I loved the wisdom he shared with Camilla. I truly was wondering if he was an angel instead of a real person. I also loved how Patchen drew us into the minds of the killers. This book is definitely one I’ll be thinking about for a long time.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was under no obligation to review it. All opinions are mine.
Thanks for connecting today.
Have you ever thought about what it would be like to focus on seeing
Sue is hiding out until she is sure her former reputation won’t destroy what she’s trying to rebuild. Unfortunately, that means this brilliant wordsmith turned semi-hermit is working beneath her potential and dealing with stress every time her office door opens.
The last thing she needs to do is greet some biker guy who sets her nerves to jumping just by being in the same room.
And if his hairy face isn’t enough to put her off, the mere fact that he’s male is.
So why does she keep ending up in his presence?
Mac is home from Viet Nam and if he never thinks about that place again, it will be too soon. Instead, he’s returned to his music that got him through his teen years, his exotic senior trip overseas (thanks to his Uncle Sam), and the deep wound that he brought home with him. Using his GI bill to further his music understanding has pushed him outside his comfort zone, but the leggy secretary at his professor’s office is tempting him with other ideas he thought he’d shelved for good.
Even if she gets flustered every time he runs into her.
What will it take for her to give him a chance? Or is she more wounded than he is?
Return to 1972 Kokomo, Indiana for the third installment of The Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue series—Runaround Sue—and what see happens when people discover who God has called them to be.
You will love Runaround Sue, inspired by Dion and the Belmonts’ 1960s hit song, because everyone understands about facing fears with a do-over.
Historical Christian Romance author, Jennifer Lynn Cary, likes to say you can take the girl out of Indiana, but you can’t take the Hoosier out of the girl. Now transplanted to the Arizona desert, this direct descendant of Davy Crockett and her husband of forty years enjoy time with family where she shares tales of her small-town heritage and family legacies with their grandchildren. She is the author of The Crockett Chronicles series, The Relentless series, and The Weather Girls trilogy as well as the stand-alone novel, Cheryl’s Going Home, her novella Tales of the Hob Nob Annex Café, and her split-time novels The Traveling Prayer Shawl and The Forgotten Gratitude Journal. Judy in Disguise is the first book of her spin-off series The Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue.
My Review of Runaround Sue
This is the second book in this series that I read and I love the humor, the characters and the flashbacks to the 70s that are scattered throughout this book. A simpler time, or was it? Forgiveness. A topic that needs to be talked about much more often than it is. Wonderful book, great characters and I can’t wait to read more in this series. This is a book I will be telling many people about, who I know will enjoy it as much as myself.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit but was not under any obligation to write a review. All opinions are strictly mine.
More from Jennifer
One of the best parts of writing this series is that I get to relive lots of fun memories from my childhood. As my bio states, I am a direct descendant of Davy Crockett. This was a big deal to my father, and he made us memorize the generations back.
Well, my first real friend (we met when we were four but didn’t get to play together again until we were in first grade—long, funny story) had a famous last name, famous around Kokomo at least. Haynes. She mentioned she was related to this guy who was a big deal with cars and steel. That was about all my first grade mind could fathom.
I was able to connect that to a little side trip I took with my dad one day. He pulled up in front of an old white building on Apperson Way in Kokomo and led me to the front door. It was obvious the building was empty and had been for some time. But on the slab porch, in front of the entrance, he pointed out a tiled mosaic of a jack rabbit. Dad explained that this had been the factory where the Apperson brothers produced their car, the Jack Rabbit. They ran their factory for about twenty-five years producing one of the first sports cars ever made.
By fourth grade, where we learned about Indiana history, I also got a bit more information on Elwood Haynes (my friend’s ancestor) and the Apperson brothers. Aside from a converted horse cart, their Pioneer car from 1894 is considered the first automobile made in the USA and is now housed in the Smithsonian.
I don’t think I fully grasped Elwood Haynes’s contributions to science and industry, however, until I moved away and became an adult. (Getting older and learning how to surf the web helped too). I was able to use what I learned about the man and share it in Runaround Sue.
The auto industry left Kokomo in the dust when it became evident that Detroit was easier and less expensive to deliver raw products to. However, that didn’t stop Mr. Haynes from doing his experiments. One story has it that he invented stainless steel because his wife was tired of polishing the silver. And we can thank him for finding a use for that residue that was left after cleaning the oil captured from the drilling in the Kokomo area—a little thing called gasoline.
I love that I’m from Kokomo, that I had a wonderful childhood there, and that there are so many cool pieces of information about the place. (BTW, actor Strother Martin and author Norman Bridwell of Clifford the Big Red Dog series are both Kokomo famous sons).
If you’ve ever been to Kokomo, Indiana, I hope you will respond and let me know. If you haven’t, it’s a nice place to visit. I hope you will check it out.
Thanks for connecting today.
Have you ever thought about what it would be like to focus on seeing
When Minerva Jane Jenkins was just 14 years old, she married a man who moved her to the mountains. He carried with him a small box, which he told her was filled with gold. And when he died 50 years later, he made her promise to keep his secret. She is to tell no one about the box or the treasure it contains.
Now 94, Minerva is nearing the end of what has sometimes been a lonely life. But she’s kept that secret. Even so, rumors of hidden gold have a way of spreading, and Minerva is visited by a reporter, Del Rankin, who wants to know more of her story. His friend who joins him only wants to find the location of the gold. Neither of them knows quite who they’re up against when it comes to the old woman on the mountain.
As an unlikely friendship develops, Minerva is tempted to reveal her secret to Del. After all, how long is one bound by a promise? But the truth of what’s really buried in the box may be hidden even from her.
About the Author
Cindy K. Sproles is an author and speaker. Raised and living in the mountains of East Tennessee, she spins tales of life in the deep crevices of the Appalachian mountains. Cindy is proud of her mountain heritage and her desire is to see this culture live on in history. “Children aren’t taught in school about the innovation and determination of the mountain people or about the heritage that is richly embedded in them. These are the people who helped forge America and these are the people who have the brawn and guts to stand by their families, heritage, and beliefs.” Cindy’s desire is to continue to weave the stories, despite their hardships, that show the resilience of the Appalachian culture. Being raised in these mountains and having family who practiced the old ways, Cindy writes from a deep love and experience of the mountains of East Tennessee. Who better to pen the stories of the people, than someone who knows it first hand.?
Aside from her writing, Cindy co-founded ChristianDevotions.us and served as managing editor for SonRise Books and Straight Street Books, imprints of Iron Stream Media. She teaches at Christian Writers Conferences and ladies retreats and ladies conferences across the country. Her devotions are heartfelt and honest. Edgy and inviting. Cindy serves as the executive editor of ChristianDevotions.us, a writing mentor, and life coach. She shares mentoring with Lori Marett at Writing Right Author Mentoring Service. Author of four non-fiction books, Cindy’s fiction debut novel, Mercy’s Rain (Kregel Publishing), won book of the year and her second novel, Liar’s Winter has won numerous awards. Cindy’s 3rd Appalachian Novel, Revell Publishing, What Momma Left Behind, also received a gold medal in the national Illumination Awards and was named Christian Market Novel of the Year. She has contributed to CBN.com and InspireaFire.com and serves as the director of the Asheville Christian Writers Conference. Visit her at http://www.cindysproles.com or contact her at cindyksproles@gmail.com
Cindy is available for speaking events by contacting her at cindyksproles@gmail.com.
Review of This is Where it Ends
Cindy Sproles writes novels that hit deep in the heart. I love how she develops the characters in her stories and this one is not only no exception, but exceptional. I loved getting to know Minerva the most, but I loved the other characters and how they intertwined with Minerva’s story for the reader to get the full picture. Excellent book. One I will highly recommend.
I was given this book as a complimentary copy but was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine. This may end up being one of my favorite series of this author after all!
Thanks for connecting today.
Have you ever thought about what it would be like to focus on seeing
William Cole cannot forget the cruel burden he carries, not with the pock marks that serve as an outward reminder. Riddled with guilt, he assumed the solitary life of a long hunter, traveling into the wilds of Kentucky each year. But his quiet existence is changed in an instant when, sitting in a tavern, he overhears a man offering his daughter—and her virtue—to the winner of the next round of cards. William’s integrity and desire for redemption will not allow him to sit idly by while such an injustice occurs.
Lucinda Gillespie has suffered from an inexplicable illness her entire life. Her father, embarrassed by her condition, has subjected her to a lonely existence of abuse and confinement. But faced with the ultimate betrayal on the eve of her eighteenth birthday, Lucinda quickly realizes her trust is better placed in his hands of the mysterious man who appears at her door. Especially when he offers her the one thing she never thought would be within her grasp—freedom.
In the blink of an eye, both lives change as they begin the difficult, danger-fraught journey westward on the Wilderness Trail. But can they overcome their own perceptions of themselves to find love and the life God created them for?
Andrea Byrd is a Christian wife and mom located in rural Kentucky, who loves to spend time with her family in the great outdoors, one with nature. Often described as having been born outside her time, she has a deep affinity for an old-fashioned, natural lifestyle.
With a degree in Equine Health & Rehabilitation gathering dust and a full-time job tethering her to a desk eight hours a day, Andrea decided it was time to show both herself and her children that it is truly possible to make your dreams come true. Now with over 1,000 contemporary Christian romance novellas sold, Andrea is pursuing her passion of writing faith-filled romance woven with a thread of true history.
More form Andrea
There is so much inspiration that fed into the creation of Rescue in the Wilderness.
Not only was the Good Lord’s guiding hand ever-present, but so was the influence of those that came before me. This story was inspired by my own ancestors, as well as the countless others, that made the arduous journey through Cumberland Gap to settle in Kentucky. Those brave souls opened up a whole new world, and for some of us, established the area in which their families would preside for centuries to come.
As a lover of books that integrate history into fiction myself, I also wished to shed light on the “Hard Winter” of 1779-1780. This was a winter that came early, and with great intensity. While it caused hardships for many across the country, it made the journey through the Cumberland Gap all the more perilous.
Beyond these historical facts, I also wished to pay tribute to those who suffer from chronic pain conditions. I will never forget the day a friend of mine, whom the Lord called home all too soon, told me of her childhood rheumatoid arthritis and how there were days she was in too much pain to leave her bed. In this book, I wished to explore what pioneer life might have been for someone who suffered from such a condition.
My Review of Rescue in the Wilderness:
This book grabbed me by the description and held my attention from start to finish. The way the author depicted Lucinda and William put me right in the story as though I was living their life. This was a beautifully written love story with biblical themes woven effortlessly throughout. I highly enjoyed this book and will be recommending it to many. Cannot wait for the second in the series. I’m so glad this is a series and not simply a standalone.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was under no obligation to review it. All opinions are mine.
Thanks for connecting today.
Have you ever thought about what it would be like to focus on seeing
Would you like to be a part of a membership where every day you are encouraged to grow your relationship with God … in a way that helps you see Him working in your everyday life?
If that sounds like something you’re interested in, I invite you to come check it out!
Don’t forget to check out the other blog spots listed below for your convenience.
